[Kerry]

A probe has been launched after two horses collapsed and died in the paddock within moments of each in a freak incident at Newbury race course.

The horses were clearly seen to rear-up at the same point by the fence.

One trainer said he believed they may have been electocuted by a cable under the paddock.

For safety reasons the meeting was abandoned shortly afterwards after the first run.

A further two horses were seen to "wobble" and a lead rein on one of the dead animals was rumoured to have shown traces of burning.

An inquiry and immediate post-mortem examinations for the horses was announced.

Jonjo O'Neill, trainer of Fenix Two, said he noticed the horse in front of his, Kid Cassidy, go down on his knees before his horse was struck.

Paul Barber, owner of Denman, was in the paddock at the time of the incident. He said some people felt a "tingling" as they led horses around the paddock.

Marching Song's part-owner Graham Thorner said the fallen horse had "great potential".

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